Many users are puzzled when Google Play Store doesn’t open. It throws an error ‘Unfortunately, Google Play Store has stopped.’ For others, the system greets them with a 910 error. After a time, it would get quite annoying as you can’t even update apps, forget about downloading a new one. But don’t worry. That phase will be over soon as you will find many solutions here to help you fix the issue. Let’s check them out.
Restart Your Phone
You should always start with basic solutions. One of them is restarting your phone. Whatever issue you are facing related to Google Play Store, restart your device and see its result.
Check Date and Time on Phone
Accurate data and time are crucial for the proper functioning of the Google Play Store. If time is incorrect, you may face issues with Play Store. To fix it, you should use the Automatic date & time feature instead of setting it manually. To do so, follow these steps: Step 1: Open Settings on your phone and go to System. Step 2: Under System, tap on Date & Time. Here, enable Automatic date & time. If it’s already enabled, switch it off and then enable it again. Step 3: Restart your phone and try downloading apps from Play Store.
Clear Cache
Next, you should try clearing cache for Google Play Store and Google Play Services. In case you are wondering, clearing the cache will not remove any files or apps from your phone. Here are the steps: Step 1: Go to Settings on your phone and tap on Apps/Installed Apps/App Manager. Step 2: Look for Google Play Store. If it’s not directly available, look under All apps. Tap on it. Step 3: Tap on Storage followed by Clear cache. Step 4: Repeat the above steps for Google Play Services. You will find it under Apps. Restart your phone and try downloading the apps from Play Store.
Clear Data
If the issue persists, try clearing data for Google Play Store and Play Service. Similar to clearing cache, clearing data will not delete any installed apps. The only thing that will happen is you will be logged out from the Play Store, and your preferences will reset in Play Store. Now that you are satisfied, repeat Steps 1 to 3 of the above method. But, instead of tapping on Clear cache, tap on Clear data/storage.
Uninstall Updates
Another solution that does the trick is to uninstall updates for Google Play Store and Play Services. As both of them come preinstalled with the system apps, you cannot uninstall them from your phone. However, you can uninstall their updates that will bring them back to the factory version. To do so, tap on Google Play Store under Settings > Apps. Tap on the three-dot icon at the top and select Uninstall updates. Repeat the steps for Google Play Services. Then restart your phone. Wait for 2-3 minutes and then try downloading apps from Play Store.
Reset App Preferences
Many times, resetting app preferences also comes handy. Again, you will not lose any app or app data. However, certain things will change on your device such as disabled apps, default apps, background, and permission restrictions. To reset app preferences, follow these steps: Step 1: Go to Settings followed by Apps/Application Manager. Step 2: Under All apps, tap on the three-dot icon at the top. Select Reset app preferences from the menu.
Boot in Safe Mode
While the safe mode is usually helpful in identifying the issues related to the third-party apps. Sometimes, simply booting in the safe mode can come to your rescue too. To boot in safe mode, press the power button on your phone until you see the power options. Then hold the Power off option, and the interface will ask you whether you want to boot in the safe mode. Choose the relevant option. If the above method doesn’t work, switch off your phone. Then keep the power button pressed to turn it on. Once you see the manufacturer logo, release the power button, and immediately hold the volume down key. Keep it pressed till you are taken to the safe mode. You will see the text Safe mode. Once in the safe mode, stay there for a minute or two and then restart your device to move out of it. Then try downloading the apps from Play Store in the normal mode.
Manually Update Google Play Store
Unlike other apps, you cannot update Google Play Store naturally. You will have to do it manually by downloading its APK file. For that, download the latest version of Google Play Store from APKMirror.com, one of the trusted sources for APK files. Once downloaded, tap on it to install. If this is your first time for installing an external APK, you will be asked to grant the permission. Do it as per the on-screen instructions and then install it. Once installed, the Play Store should not throw the error again.
Let’s Get Back to Work
We wouldn’t judge you if you were about to throw your phone away or factory reset it because of the issue. Anyone would do that. But, we expect the above solutions would work for you. Once Play Store is up and running, do try these small apps that weigh less than 1 MB. Next up: Love tinkering around with Play Store? Check these useful tips and tricks for Play Store.
